How many days does acute gastritis need IV fluids?

Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
Updated on June 01, 2025
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Acute gastritis, compared to chronic gastritis, has a shorter course and more severe symptoms. If the condition is not very severe, it can also be treated by taking oral medication. For example, oral proton pump inhibitors, gastrointestinal motility drugs, and mucosal protective agents, etc. If the symptoms are more severe, such as severe vomiting, intravenous fluid therapy can be administered to achieve treatment goals. The effects of intravenous fluid therapy are basically similar to those of oral medications. If the inflammation is apparent, antibiotics can be appropriately used. As for the duration of medication, generally three to five days are sufficient. If these acute gastric mucosal lesions occur, the symptoms are relatively more severe, and there may be bleeding. In such cases, the duration of intravenous fluid therapy can be appropriately extended, generally not exceeding one week.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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Causes of acute gastritis

The causes of acute gastritis are varied, primarily involving external factors, internal factors, and psychological factors. For example, irregular eating habits, consuming foods that are too cold or too hot, and overly coarse foods can all irritate and damage the gastric mucosal barrier. Additionally, some medications can directly cause congestion of the gastric mucosa, and acute gastritis can be directly caused by bacterial or viral infections. The gastrointestinal tract is regulated by various hormones, and if one is overly tense, agitated, or exhibiting symptoms of neurosis, this can affect the normal levels of the mucosa through hormonal regulation, leading to mucosal damage and triggering inflammation.

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Gastroenterology
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How to treat symptoms of acute gastritis?

Acute gastritis is generally caused by consumption of unclean food or bacterial infection. The main symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and fever. The conventional treatment involves using medications that suppress gastric acid secretion, protect the gastric mucosa, and relieve spasms and pain. If there is a bacterial infection, antimicrobial drugs should be used, and for Helicobacter pylori infection, triple therapy should be applied. Regular attention should be paid to dietary habits, avoiding spicy, greasy, and irritating foods. Ensure that food is within its expiration period, and foods taken out from the refrigerator should be heated before eating. Engage in outdoor exercises to strengthen the physique and enhance the body's disease resistance. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
Gastroenterology
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What to eat for acute gastritis

Acute gastritis refers to the acute onset of gastric mucosa damage or erosion, commonly caused by drugs or stress-induced injuries, including those caused by alcohol. For treatment, proton pump inhibitors that suppress stomach acid can be used. Aside from proton pump inhibitors, H2 receptor antagonists can also be chosen, but the therapeutic effect of H2 receptor antagonists is not as good as proton pump inhibitors. Treatment should also include gastric mucosal protectants and drugs that promote mucosal repair. Additionally, if gastrointestinal motility is poor, prokinetic agents may be added to the treatment. Moreover, during the acute phase, it is best to consume liquid foods and drink porridge.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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What is acute gastritis?

Acute gastritis is caused by various reasons leading to acute inflammation of the gastric mucosa, primarily due to stress, medications, infections in the stomach, and bile reflux. The main symptoms include upper abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, often with enteritis causing diarrhea, bloody stool, and signs of dehydration. The treatment for acute gastritis is mainly symptomatic, with timely fluid replenishment through intravenous hydration. Additionally, bed rest is recommended, along with cessation of all gastric irritants in food or medications, and fasting if necessary. For abdominal pain, local heat application or the use of antispasmodic analgesics can be considered; generally, anti-infection treatment is not required.

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Written by Yang Chun Guang
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Does acute gastritis cause diarrhea?

If symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting occur acutely, it may be considered acute gastritis. However, if abdominal pain is accompanied by diarrhea, this condition should be considered gastroenteritis. Thus, acute gastritis generally does not cause diarrhea, whereas acute gastroenteritis can cause symptoms beyond those of the stomach, including diarrhea. Therefore, the difference between acute gastroenteritis and acute gastritis lies in the intestinal issues of the digestive tract. For the treatment of acute gastritis, medications for gastritis can be used to alleviate symptoms. Both are diseases of the digestive system, and proper examination and treatment can be sought in the gastroenterology department. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, do not self-medicate)